US warns of deep distrust even as officials seek stable China ties for summit
South China Morning Post
by Khushboo Razdan,Lucy QuagginFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The United States is navigating a complex relationship with China, characterized by cautious optimism and persistent skepticism. While American officials are striving to establish stable ties with Beijing, trust remains elusive due to ongoing concerns over alleged Chinese efforts to steal or bypass U.S. technology restrictions. These issues were highlighted in recent congressional hearings, reflecting bipartisan worries about trade tensions and advancements in critical areas like semiconductors. As the Trump administration prepares for a pivotal summit between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, the stakes are high: resolving these disputes could influence global trade policies and technological competition.
Recent testimony before Congress underscored the U.S. government's dual approach—seeking cooperation with China while maintaining guarded trust. Under Secretary of State Jacob Helberg emphasized that stability in relations does not necessarily equate to trust, citing a lack of Chinese transparency as a key barrier. This cautious stance is driven by concerns over intellectual property theft and unfair trade practices, which have soured bilateral relations despite economic interdependence.
The upcoming Trump-Xi summit in Beijing aims to address these tensions, particularly around advanced technologies and semiconductor trade. With the U.S. administration balancing the need for collaboration with a wary approach
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/25/2026